debate started with a shand shake -- which handshake and smile between president obama and mitt romney. then it quickly focused on the economy. >> the president: five million jobs in the private sector created. auto industry has come roaring back. housing has begun to rise. >> i know what it takes to get small business growing again to hire people. >> reporter: romney was aggressive most of the night but his comments about the 47% has taken a toll on his campaign. the president never brought up those comments and romney tried to move past them. >> under the president's policies middle income americans have been buried, crushed. i will not under any circumstances raise taxes on middle income families. >> reporter: the president challenged his rifle saying romney cannot keep his -- his rival saying romney cannot keep his -- >> the president: now he's saying his big bold idea is never mine. >> reporter: other topics included medicaid reform. while there wasn't a knock out punch from either side some feel the president may been too relaxed. >> he seemed a little detached at times didn't wa